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 Interview opportunities exist around every corner, but not like this one! For a couple of days this summer, I had the opportunity to interview the young up and coming stars of the third installment and blockbuster hit, Twilight: Eclipse. Many of the cast members were available to help promote the second film which released June 30th.The buzz leading up this film has attracted the most interest in the middle and high school, as well as college aged demographics, but according to the stars, this film is for everyone who enjoys suspense in movies. “This film has the tenacity to keep the interest of viewers of all ages,” said Alex Meraz. “Not only that, but the film isn’t rated R so it isn’t just for adults.” Taylor Lautner agreed with his costar adding, “We hope it survives the test of time as so many people have followed all four books and the first two films with keen interest.” Lautner went on to comment that the books are so good, the cast has a responsibility to bring them to life in the best way possible, otherwise theatergoers familiar with the books would be disappointed. Because of the huge following of the book series by Stephenie Meyer, the cast felt it necessary to truly ingratiate themselves in order to fully absorb their characters. The stars, most of them quite young, felt it crucial because of the fans intense following of the series. Any changes to the story or the characters would be easily identified by the fans of the books. The actors took their roles so seriously, they actually took the description of their characters to heart. When Stephenie Meyer described the vampire hunters that these actors portray, she simply stated that, “Yhey are catlike in their movements and hunting skills.” So what did the cast do? “We watched You Tube videos of lions walking, hunting and eating,” remarked Rachelle Lefevre. “It was important to mimic the big cats in every way possible.”  The Twilight series has definitely grown into something more than just a soon to be series of four epic tales. Already, young actors such as Taylor Lautner need constant security. I asked him if the popularity of the film has affected him in terms of his fan base. “Of course it has. I mean, there is one thing about somebody being a serious fan and wanting an autograph, but it is something totally different when someone stalks you and tries to follow you everywhere you go.” Many of the cast agree since, aside from Robert Pattinson, there is no question that this series really put them on the map in terms of their star status. I joked with Taylor a bit and asked him if it was possible it was his abs, not just his talent, that has elevated him to star status. “I am sure it didn’t hurt,” he said while smiling wryly. The press screening I attended to view the film was an Imax presentation. Since I arrived a little late, my seat was close to the screen. Do you know how large an Imax screen can be? Now, imagine if you saw a close up of somebody’s abs on the screen. Yes, that’s right. Huge isn’t an accurate enough term for what I saw. I have but one suggestion. I know every female tweener on the face of earth will hate me for this, but can somebody please get Jacob a t-shirt? I inquired amongst the group of young actors as to what drew them to this project, as it was so off the beaten path from their other projects. Kiowa Gordon commented, “This isn’t your normal vampire fare. Had it been, I definitely wouldn’t have been interested.” Alex Meraz went on to comment about how this series breaks the stereotypes that seem to plague all other vampire films. He added, “There are elements to these vampires that the audience won’t expect. For instance, imagine a vampire film without crosses, silver bullets, coffins and no fangs.” This movie is going to continue to open the door into the vampire dimension, and I believe it to be a very interesting one at that! Until the fourth and final installment comes to theaters next year, the masses will have to make due with this third film. There is no doubt they will still be hungry for the last one, too.
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